grindstone

noun

grind·stone | \ˈgrīn(d)-ˌstōn

Definition of grindstone

2 : a flat circular stone of natural sandstone that revolves on an axle and is used for grinding, shaping, or smoothing

Examples of grindstone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This particular flake of silcrete appears to have once been part of a grindstone used to grind ocher into powder, based on the unusual smoothness of its curved face and the microscopic traces of ocher residue still clinging to its surface. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "The oldest drawing in the world was done with an ocher crayon," 12 Sep. 2018 Maybe new no-nonsense and nose-to-the-grindstone coach James O’Connor has finally forced Orlando City — its players and its management — to do just that. — Mike Bianchi, Pro Soccer USA, "James O’Connor is finally forcing Orlando City’s players to look in the mirror," 14 July 2018 The other White House — the invisible White House — is the nose-to-the-grindstone operation that has been faithfully chipping away at the legacy of President Barack Obama and signing into law long-standing policy goals of the Republican Party. — Philip Bump, Washington Post, "It's easier to wave away 'Trumpism' if you ignore the xenophobia that got him elected," 9 Jan. 2018 The cook appreciates the grindstone to sharpen the knife. — Bill Livingston, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers 2018 - An ugly win beats a well-played loss anytime: Bill Livingston (photos, video)," 2 May 2018 These days the dancers are keeping their noses to grindstone, and just trying to get on with the physically taxing work of rehearsing by day and performing by night in the spring season — without the only boss any of them have ever known. — Michael Cooper, New York Times, "A Peter Martins Ballet Loses Peter Martins, and a Slap," 12 Feb. 2018 The lakes are former quarries that produced some of the finest grindstones in the world. — Shirley Macfarland, cleveland.com, "Take a hike at Mill Stream Run Reservation: Strong Points," 20 Apr. 2018 Among their findings: assorted tools for processing ochre, such as grindstones, and a limestone pebble with ochre residue on one side. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Pigment of Our Imagination," 23 Mar. 2018 The Irish didn’t suddenly calm down, put down the Guinness, put their noses to the grindstone and work their way into an exclusive club. — Michael Harriot, The Root, "When the Irish Weren’t White," 17 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grindstone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.